Since we
work along the coastal regions of Orissa, we have been
involved in disaster preparedness of the community during
cyclones, floods and other natural disasters.

Community Based Disaster
preparedness program initiated to prepare the
community for natural calamities.

Enhance capacity of the community for self reliance
and self assertiveness through CBOs

Facilitate the interface of institutions of self- governance and the
community to meet the challenges of disaster effectively

During the Super Cyclone
1999 in Orissa (the worst of its kind in the Country’s
past) Unnayan had taken up extensive relief,
Reconstruction and Rehabilitation programme in 6
disricts of the state which were worst affected.
Besides immediate relief work, it took up challenges
of reconstruction work such as constructing houses and
buildings for villagers and institutions, repaired
embankments and plantation programmes. 36 Micro Lift
Irrigation Projects were installed which promoted
community irrigation to the farmers land for
cultivation. Micro Thrift and Credit program
introduced among the members of the Pani
panchayats(Water users’ association) and 400 SHGs had
been promoted through which much rehabilitation were
taken up through micro-enterprises, many groups income
generating activities etc.

During the flood in 2001
Unnayan took up relief, reconstruction and
rehabilitation works. Sand removed from the arable
land of coastal villages of Kendrapara and
Jagatsinghpur which was deposited during the flood
through food for work. Community Based Disaster
preparedness program were also taken up. Embankment of
length 12 km constructed through collective action in
the villages of Pokhariapada and Thailo of Ersama and
Balikuda is providing protection to at-least 500 acres
of land from water logging.

We have been working with
17,000 families in 21 panchayats in the districts of
Balasore and Mayurbhanj during the 2007 Flood. This is
being carried out by the ‘Subarnarekha Suraksha Sena’.
(link to 5.7)